What are the highest risk countries in South Asia for money laundering?

South Asia faces significant AML risks due to corruption, informal financial systems, and weak regulatory enforcement in several countries. The region’s large cash-based economies, extensive use of hawala networks for remittances, and vulnerabilities in trade-based money laundering make it particularly susceptible to illicit financial flows. Key AML threats include terrorist financing, drug trafficking, and organised […]

Could your workplace diversity and inclusion initiatives be discriminatory?

A new workplace discrimination case has revealed when DEI can go too far DEI workplace initiatives are under intense scrutiny around the world. In the US, courts are rolling back diversity requirements and some companies are slashing their DEI budgets. But the UK is also experiencing a wave of complex discrimination cases, particularly around the […]

What are the highest and lowest risk countries in Latin America and the Caribbean for money laundering?

Latin America and the Caribbean face significant AML challenges due to widespread corruption, organised crime, and high levels of illicit financial flows. The region is a hub for drug trafficking, human smuggling, and financial fraud, generating billions in illegal proceeds that require laundering through various channels. Key vulnerabilities include weak regulatory enforcement, under-resourced financial intelligence […]

What are the key sustainability compliance dates in 2025 and beyond? Deadlines for CSDDD, EUGBR, SFDR, EU Taxonomy and CSRD

The global regulatory landscape for sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting is set to evolve significantly in 2025 and beyond. With a wave of critical deadlines approaching, organisations must prepare to meet stringent new requirements that aim to enhance transparency, accountability, and sustainability practices. From the European Union’s expanded Taxonomy and the Sustainable […]

What are the highest and lowest risk countries in Europe for money laundering?

Europe is one of the safest regions in the world for money laundering. Most countries in Europe score consistently higher than the global average and other countries in the world. However Europe is not immune to money laundering risks.  Despite robust frameworks, financial centres like Switzerland and the UK are increasingly targeted for fraud and […]

Donald Trump’s return and crypto’s rebirth: 2025’s unexpected compliance headache

Remember back to January 2021? One bitcoin was worth around $7,000 and a twice-impeached Donald Trump left office in a huff. Who would have predicted four years later, both would come roaring back. Perhaps more surprising than Donald Trump’s landslide election victory against Kamala Harris (who’d have thought?) is that bitcoin has soared to even […]

Will 2025 be the year your law firm will get audited? How to prepare for the inevitable

The Solicitors Regulation Authority’s (SRA) recent activities signal a heightened focus on anti-money laundering (AML) compliance. With increased inspections, desk-based reviews, and significant fines levied against non-compliant firms, 2025 could well be the year your law firm faces an audit. Preparing for this possibility isn’t just prudent; it’s essential. Here’s what you need to know. […]

US court strikes down corporate board diversity rules

Diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI) in business is in for a rough ride over the next few years as the second Trump Administration rages against DEI programmes and companies around the world—from Nissan to Walmart—downsize their initiatives in the face of political blowback.  Now, the US Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals based in New Orleans […]